Grocery Shop Your Way to Better Health - It’s All in the Mindset
Are you like me in that going to the grocery store is hardly your favorite task?
I won’t say that I dread it but I’m certainly not showing up with bells on. Yet, one thing I know for sure is that the times when I create a meal plan and do the shopping before the week starts, are when Bruce and I eat the best - healthy and delicious food that’s usually simple to make.
That’s why, without a doubt, I make my shopping excursions a priority and as fun as possible. Yep, you’re hearing the FUN word again. Just like I try to do the same for the meal planning experience, why not make the shopping experience as effortless and enjoyable as you can.
So here are a few ideas for how I make shopping a more pleasurable experience and also save money:
- I always have a list. It’s actually a fact that I’m a total list person in all parts of my life and shopping is no exception. After creating my meal plan I utilize my shopping list to easily identify what I need to buy. It makes the shopping more efficient and I spend less because I have a plan and I’m not randomly picking up things I think I might need.
- I buy less than I think I’ll need. Part of the problem in the past has been that I’ve been overbuying. You know, thinking I have time to cook and prepare a host of great dishes, when in reality I don’t, and subsequently, wasting too much food. If I need to, I’ll make a quick trip to the store during the week to pick up the few items I may need.
- I shop at off-peak hours.Is there anything worse than heading to the grocery store after work when it’s full of other people that are also trying to figure out what to buy? I love being able to easily navigate the aisles without constantly bumping into people and their carts. Plus, when I don’t feel overwhelmed by the crowds, I’m more likely to get into the shopping experience and tune into anything I might be forgetting.
- I go with a positive attitude. Instead of that “I-hate-shopping-and-don’t-want-to-do-it” attitude, I really try to appreciate the experience. I have gratitude that I live in a place where I can easily access the store and can buy fresh healthy items. I also visualize that the experience will be pleasant and efficient, with great staff to help me when I need it. That goes a long way to feeling better about doing it.
- I go to fun stores! Trader Joe’s is my favorite for a fun and positive experience where the staff bends over backwards to help you. It’s always an adventure there and I can get easy, quick and healthy foods.
How do you make shopping seem less like drudgery and more fun and effortless?
Filed under: Shopping List, Trader Joe's, Food preparation, Optimal Health, Meal Planning, Healthy Meals, Food Shopping
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